Until few years back, one could not even imagine bringing in technology in education and now we are already seeing it revolutionizing the entire sector. Whichever industry technology was brought into, it ushered in fundamental structural change which is integral to achieving significant improvement in any field of industry. Education sector being no exception, it too is witnessing reform in many areas due to technology and is fast turning out to be a profitable industry across the globe.

However technology is no shortcut to learning or a tool that can replace the role of a teacher in the learning process. On the flip-side, as per the students, computers and learning report findings, we learn that, “technology can amplify great teaching, but great technology cannot replace poor teaching.” Similarly, in the case of students too, it is hard work which assists students to master any endeavor. Heavy use of computer or any other EdTech tool can result to poor performance than otherwise and why it is so, learn it here.

Technology is a supportive tool that facilitates and fosters meaningful learning. Technology is used as to engage and facilitate thinking in students. It assists students to think and reason. All students learn from thinking and thinking about what others have done and believe. Thinking is a mediator to learning and learning results from thinking. So let us first understand why students need technology in the learning process and then focus on why it cannot be a shortcut to learning.

Reasons Why Today’s Students Need Technology?

If technology such as mobile devices and applications are used in the right way, it can help students prepare for their future careers.

By far technology integration in the learning process is considered as one the effective ways to connect with students of different learning styles.

Teachers and other faculty members can help students learn digital citizenship skills by using technology in their learning process.

Technology integration gives students the opportunity to enhance their interaction with their classmates and instructors by encouraging collaboration.

Integrating technology in education helps the students stay engaged and most students today are using the mobile devices like tablets and smartphones to play and learn at the same time.

Incorporating new technologies such as VR with traditional classroom instruction can help students enhance their learning experience and weave web of opportunities.

Technology in education is making students more responsible. They are able to improve their decision making skills as well as take ownership of a valuable device.

Technology also helps in transforming the learning experience of students. The students have better access to an incredible amount of new opportunities say from learning how to code to learning how to collaborate with their team and teachers. It also empowers students to become more creative and be more connected.

Why tech is no shortcut to learning?

Given the fact that, schools and colleges need to ensure that their students are technologically fluent by the time they finish their course is imperative to make them future ready but what’s important to note is that merely knowing how to use technology does not provide sufficient education. Yes, as has been pointed right in the beginning of this piece is that EdTech tools only support learning or enhance learning especially in STEM subjects. Technology cannot replace students’ efforts or keenness to know more on how to master any endeavor whether it be writing poems, short stories or for that matter design a new computer program.

The scientific technologies and applications help in revitalizing classroom learning, helping students get the real life experience of the Solar system through VR or help students of the 5th grade in building a wind turbine out of sensors, some wire and few LEGOs. But ultimately, it is the students logical ability, stamina and hard work which would help students design a wind energy program to power a city and not any other technology or app. In other words, students need to have wisdom and that cannot come solely by using technology but earned with dedication and untiring efforts of students.

So what are your thoughts on this topic? Do you agree with the views shared in the piece?

Ananya is currently working as the Content Manager at EdTechReview. She has a keen interest in Ed Tech and the ways in which it is strengthening the education sector as a whole. She is an avid reader and loves to meet relevant people & unleash new updates on various innovations in the EdTech world as it indirectly helps her pen down well-researched blogs on the niche. Follow her @AnanyaDebRoy

EdTechReview (ETR) is a community of and for everyone involved in education technology to connect and collaborate both online and offline to discover, learn, utilize and share about the best ways technology can improve learning, teaching, and leading in the 21st century.

EdTechReview spreads awareness on education technology and its role in 21st century education through best research and practices of using technology in education, and by facilitating events, training, professionaldevelopment, and consultation in its adoption and implementation.

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